Last updated: 15 Jan 2025

Equatorial Guinea

About

Equatorial Guinea is a country of luscious vegetation and beautiful scenery, including tropical forests and snow-capped volcanoes. The capital, Malabo, is a rather rundown but attractive town, with pleasant Spanish colonial architecture, a striking volcanic setting and a lively market. The white-sand beaches around the islands are stunning.

Visit the town of Moca situated in the Moca valley in the southern highlands and learn the ways of the Bubi - the indigenous people of Bioko Island.

Bask on Arena Blanca, the only white beach on Bioko Island. During the dry season, thousands of butterflies can be seen. Take a trip to Bata, the principle town in the region of Rio Muni on the mainland. It is a lively town with a few restaurants, bars, hotels and markets.
Capital:  Malabo (SSG)
Currency:  Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Language:  Spanish, French & Portuguese
Dialling code from SA:  + 240
Time Zones: UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)
Public Holidays: 

Jan 1; Mar 8; Apr 18; May 1; Jun 5, 19; Aug 3-4, 15; Oct 12-13; Dec 8, 25
Side of the Road: Right
Best Time to go: December - February
Best For: Rare Wildlife, National Parks
Plugs: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used.
Drinking Water: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. Bottled water is available, but check the seals (a popular scam is to collect empty bottles, fill them with tap water and attempt to reseal them).  The water provided in your hotel should be safe to drink.
Health: Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies.   If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage.
Customs: Normal social conventions should be observed. International travellers are rare and may be viewed with curiosity. 
Local Offences / Laws: Photographing military installations is illegal. 
Travel Tips / Warnings: Equatorial Guinea is a cash-only society, ATMs are not available.  Official corruption is common, and tourists are advised not to engage in bribing officials and to request an official citation. Carrying weapons, binoculars and radios and wearing camouflage clothing may be met with suspicion and result in confiscation or questioning.  Travellers should carry their passports.
Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Equatorial Guinea without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of wine.
• 1L of spirits.

Issuing Authorities

Embassy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
48 Florence Street, Colbyn, Pretoria, 0083
Tel: +27 (0)12 342 9945
Email: egembassy@mweb.co.za

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders

Visas can be applied for online with VFS at: equatorialguinea-evisa.com

During the online application, you will need to upload the following documents: 

Tourist Visa

  • Passport Bio Page
  • Hotel/Accommodation Proof
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bank Statement 3 months stamped by the Bank
  • Original yellow fever certificate
  • Return Flight ticket
  • Passport size photographs
  • Visas issued in the last 3 months (if any)


Business Visa

  • Passport Bio Page
  • Hotel/Accommodation Proof
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bank Statement 3 months stamped by the Bank
  • Original yellow fever certificate
  • Return Flight ticket
  • Passport size photographs
  • Invitation Letter/ Letter detailing the business need on the letter head of the company
  • Visas issued in the last 3 months (if any)

Entry Requirements

Please ensure that you carry the following documents and present them at the Immigration counter
  • Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the travel date of entry into Equatorial Guinea
  • Return flight ticket copies.
  • Vaccine Certificates or PCR test results if applicable.
  • Yellow Fever Certificate
  • Travel Insurance

Please note: The Immigration officer might request for other additional information/documents. Please keep them readily available with you.

Visa Processing Time

E visa processing takes up to 72 hours

Visa Cost

 
E Visa Fees 50 USD
VFS Service fees 25 USD (excluding taxes)
 
You can only pay the fees using a MasterCard, Visa and Union Pay credit/debit card. Make sure that your card is “3D Secure Card” and is enabled to make international transactions.

SA Representative

SA Embassy
Avenida Parques de Africa/Caracolas/SN, Malabo
Tel: +240 333 099 522/3
Email: Malabo@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/malabo/

Travel Health

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever
Recommended:  Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
  Malaria Risk